In the legend of Blues’ guitarists, one runs deep, clear back to the 1930s. Son House was Delta blues musician before that was even a thing. He probably did not start the trend, but many adopted his style and some of the most famous became his prodigies. Names like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters would cement the Walkin’ Blues as its own standard of blues guitar playing. Son was the first to record the Walkin’ Blues and the probably the one that wrote the primary lines of the song:
I woke up this morning, feeling round for my shoes
I got up this morning, feeling round for my shoes
You know by that, people, I must have got the walking blues
This song, or some version of it is a write of passage for any person or band that wants to play the blues. References to the Walkin’ Blues are common in many songs and this passionate feel to the lyrics can only be matched by the sliding guitar technique for which Son played so well. Just watch his fingers slide as he strums away. After a decade or two hiatus he was “rediscovered” in 1964. I woke this morning and I told Death, no way I am not interested.
Watch him play – you will be glad you did – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdgrQoZHnNY. Is it the lyrics? Is the guitar? Is it the consistent rhythm thrumming as he slides across the strings, is it the voice?, is it the feeling? Is it the steel guitar? Is it all of the above. Yeah, that’s the blues. Full concert in 1969: https://youtu.be/qzdMj7V2xXs. Listen to his lecture at the beginning. Yeah, Mississippi Delta Blues.
You ever had the Walkin’ Blues? I have. Only those that have had it, know what I am talking about. Nuff said. All I know is sometimes the best therapy is just to go walkin’ around, wandering.
Guy Reams
